Robert Stephen Bell Obituary, Death: Victim of fatal Minnehaha County crash identified.
Robert Stephen Bell Obituary, Death – An 81-year-old man, Robert Stephen Bell of Jasper, Minnesota, has been identified as the victim of a fatal two-vehicle collision that occurred on November 14. The accident took place at approximately 6:19 p.m. near Garretson on South Dakota Highway 11, about three miles north of the town.
The crash happened at the intersection of SD Highway 11 and 250th Street. According to preliminary findings, a 71-year-old woman was driving a 2020 Buick Encore northbound on SD Highway 11. Meanwhile, a 33-year-old man operating a 2015 Kia Sorento was traveling eastbound on 250th Street. The Kia Sorento failed to stop at the intersection’s stop sign and collided with the Buick, which had the right of way.
Robert Bell was a passenger in the Buick Encore. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Both drivers involved in the collision sustained serious injuries, though their conditions were reported as non-life-threatening. Emergency responders attended to the injured, and they were transported to a medical facility for further treatment.
Investigators have determined that dense fog in the area at the time of the crash likely played a significant role. Visibility was limited, potentially impairing the Kia Sorento driver’s ability to see the stop sign and navigate the intersection safely. However, the exact circumstances and potential contributing factors remain under investigation as authorities work to piece together the sequence of events leading to the crash.
It was noted that all individuals involved in the collision were wearing seatbelts, which may have prevented further fatalities. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the incident and will analyze all available evidence, including vehicle conditions, road circumstances, and visibility issues caused by the fog.
This tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic signals, particularly in challenging weather conditions such as heavy fog. Authorities urge drivers to exercise heightened caution, reduce speed, and remain vigilant when navigating roadways under low-visibility circumstances.
No further information has been released regarding the investigation or any potential charges that might arise from the crash. The local community and loved ones of Robert Stephen Bell mourn his loss, reflecting on his life and contributions to those around him.
